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Corey Lynch
Corey Lynch
Corey Lynch
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Corey Austin Lynch (born May 7, 1985) is an American former professional football safety. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft. He played college football for the Appalachian State Mountaineers.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Corey graduated from Evangelical Christian School in Fort Myers, Florida. Lynch's father, Brian was his coach at this school. Brian Lynch remained the football coach at Evangelical until 2012.[1]

College career

[edit]

Lynch played collegiate ball at Appalachian State University from 2003 to 2007, helping his Mountaineers win 3 back-to-back-to-back national championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He is a three-time All-American and is perhaps best known for blocking Jason Gingel's field goal attempt in the waning seconds of Appalachian State's 2007 game against Michigan, in which the FCS No. 1 Mountaineers upset the No. 5 nationally ranked Michigan Wolverines on September 1, 2007.[2]

He currently holds the NCAA FCS record for passes defended at 52 (28 pass deflections, 24 interceptions) and finished his collegiate level play with 358 career tackles.

Lynch earned a B.S. in Physics from Appalachian State in December 2007.[3][4]

Professional career

[edit]

Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Lynch in the sixth round (177th overall) of the 2008 NFL draft.[5]

On October 12, 2008 against the New York Jets, Lynch recorded his first career interception by picking off quarterback Brett Favre. Lynch was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury on October 27, 2008. He finished his rookie season with nine tackles, an interception and a pass deflection in seven games.

Lynch was featured in a segment on the HBO show Hard Knocks for saving a woman's life who was in a car accident.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[edit]

Lynch was signed off the Bengals practice squad on September 23, 2009.

San Diego Chargers

[edit]

Lynch signed with the San Diego Chargers for the 2012 season.

Tennessee Titans

[edit]

On August 11, 2013, Lynch was signed by the Tennessee Titans.[6] He was cut on August 31. Lynch was re-signed by the Titans on October 28, 2013.[7] On November 22, 2013, just 25 days after being re-signed with the team, Corey was again waived by the Tennessee Titans.

Indianapolis Colts

[edit]

On November 26, 2013, Lynch was signed by the Indianapolis Colts. Indianapolis opted to acquire the veteran Lynch after Colts' reserve standout safety, Delano Howell, suffered a season-ending injury.[8] Lynch finished his season with the Colts with 4 tackles. On a fake punt, Lynch rushed for 3 yards against the Houston Texans.[9] On June 20, 2014, he was released by the Colts.[10]

Personal

[edit]

Corey Lynch is married to Jane "Cissie" Graham Lynch, daughter of evangelist Franklin Graham and a grandchild of evangelist Billy Graham and 2007 Queen of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. He told reporters he thinks the Bengals, which has seen many players in legal trouble off the field, drafted him because of his character as well as for his playing skills. Corey is also an avid fisherman and enjoys much of his spare time fishing in his home town in Florida.[11]

On June 21, 2009, while driving on a Kentucky interstate, Lynch saw a car go off the road and down an embankment. He stopped, ran down to the car, and freed an injured woman's neck. It was written that he saved her life.[12]

Corey is known on the Buccaneers by the nickname "HBO", a reference to his appearance on HBO's Hard Knocks television series.[13]

Corey resides in Boone, NC with his wife, Cissie and children Margaret, Austin and Georgia.

Corey's brother, Colton, was a defensive back on the Harvard Crimson football team having graduated in 2014.

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Corey Lynch

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Corey Austin Lynch (born May 7, 1985) is a former safety who played six seasons in the (NFL) after a distinguished college career at , where he helped secure three consecutive NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national titles from 2005 to 2007. Lynch's college tenure at Appalachian State is best remembered for his pivotal role in one of the greatest upsets in sports history: the Mountaineers' 34–32 victory over the fifth-ranked Wolverines on September 1, 2007, during which he blocked a 37-yard attempt in the final seconds to preserve the win. As a standout , he was a candidate for the , recognizing the top defensive player in FCS football, and contributed defensively to Appalachian State's undefeated 13–0 championship season that year, including pass breakups in the title game against . His efforts across the three runs earned him induction into the Appalachian State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018. Selected by the in the sixth round (177th overall) of the out of Appalachian State, Lynch appeared in 76 regular-season games across five teams, including the Bengals (2008), (2009–2011), (2012), (2013), and (2013). Over his professional career, he recorded 125 combined tackles (94 solo), five interceptions for 70 return yards, and one fumble recovery, with a career-high two interceptions in 2012 while with the Chargers. After retiring from the following the 2013 season, Lynch has remained connected to football through personal endeavors, including discussions on faith and life in the league.

Early life

Birth and family

Corey Austin Lynch was born on May 7, 1985, in Cape Coral, Florida. Lynch grew up in a family immersed in football, with his father, Brian Lynch, serving as a coach who shaped his early experiences in the sport. Brian coached Pop Warner football for 10 seasons in Cape Coral before joining Evangelical Christian School as offensive coordinator for two seasons and then becoming head coach, a position he held for 11 years until retiring in 2012 with an overall record of 91-52 at the school. The family dynamics fostered a strong athletic environment, as Brian and his wife Linda raised four sons—all of whom played football under his guidance—emphasizing mutual support and dedication. Lynch's younger brother Colton followed a similar path, playing defensive back for Harvard University's football team from 2010 to 2013 and graduating in 2014. This familial involvement provided Lynch with early and consistent exposure to football, where he later recalled that he and his brothers "always fed off each other" in their shared pursuits. Brian's transition from Pop Warner to high school coaching directly influenced Lynch's entry into organized football at the high school level.

High school career

Corey Lynch attended Evangelical Christian School in Fort Myers, Florida, where he graduated in 2003. During his high school years, Lynch played football as both a and under the guidance of his father, Brian Lynch, who served as the team's . This familial coaching dynamic helped build Lynch's foundational skills in the defensive back position, emphasizing coverage techniques and tackling fundamentals that would later define his college and professional career. Lynch's offensive contributions were particularly notable, as he amassed over 3,000 rushing yards across his career at Evangelical Christian. On defense, he recorded 31 interceptions over his high school career. While his dual-role experience laid the groundwork for his transition to a full-time safety in college.

College career

Playing career at Appalachian State

Corey Lynch enrolled at Appalachian State University in 2003 and played as a safety for the Mountaineers football team from 2003 to 2007, appearing in 56 games and starting 53. During his tenure, he established himself as a defensive standout, known for his ball-hawking ability and versatility across defensive and special teams roles. Lynch's contributions were instrumental in Appalachian State's remarkable success, including three consecutive NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national championships in 2005, 2006, and 2007, marking the program's first such titles under head coach Jerry Moore. One of Lynch's most iconic moments came in the season opener on , when Appalachian State achieved a historic 34-32 upset over fifth-ranked at the Big House in Ann Arbor. With six seconds remaining and Michigan poised to attempt a game-winning 37-yard from the Mountaineers' 20-yard line, Lynch burst through the line to block the kick by kicker Jason Gingell. He recovered the ball and returned it toward midfield as time expired, preserving the victory and cementing the game as one of the greatest upsets in history. This play not only highlighted Lynch's explosive athleticism but also propelled Appalachian State toward its third straight FCS title that season. Lynch concluded his college career holding several NCAA FCS records, including 52 passes defended (28 pass breakups and 24 interceptions), which ranked third all-time at the time and set a benchmark. He also amassed 358 total tackles, a figure that underscored his sideline-to-sideline presence as a . Additionally, Lynch set school with 30 career takeaways (24 interceptions and 6 fumble recoveries) and 6 blocked kicks, the latter all occurring in his final two seasons. His defensive prowess earned him three-time FCS All-American honors and multiple Defensive Player of the Week awards. In 2025, Lynch was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2026. Lynch's year-by-year performance showcased steady progression, particularly after a limited 2004 season due to . The following table summarizes his key defensive statistics:
YearGames Played/StartedTotal TacklesInterceptionsPass BreakupsBlocked KicksNotable Highlights
200311/057640Led SoCon with 10 takeaways (6 INTs, 4 fumble recoveries); freshman All-American.
20045/513100Played through elbow ; limited action but started all games he appeared in.
200515/1592670Key in FCS championship win over Northern Iowa; tied for team lead in INTs; SoCon Defensive Player of the Year.
200615/1585563Blocked punt and two field goals; second-team All-American; helped secure second straight FCS title vs. UMass.
200715/151116113Blocked game-winning FG vs. ; 65-yard INT return TD vs. Western Carolina; first-team All-American and third FCS title vs. .
These highlights reflect Lynch's growth into a program legend, with his senior year peaking at 12 tackles against Furman and multiple game-sealing plays en route to the .

Academic achievements

Lynch majored in physics at , a demanding field focused on the practical applications of scientific principles that required advanced and problem-solving skills. He earned a degree in physics upon completing his undergraduate studies in 2007. Balancing the intensive coursework of his STEM major with the physical and time-intensive demands of Division I-AA football proved challenging, yet Lynch sustained high academic performance throughout his college career. Recognized as a top physics student, he demonstrated exceptional discipline in managing these dual responsibilities. His provided the financial support necessary to pursue this rigorous education.

Professional career

Cincinnati Bengals

Lynch was selected by the in the sixth round, 177th overall, of the , following a standout college career at where his interception records highlighted his defensive potential. As a rookie , he signed a four-year contract with the team and transitioned to the professional level, primarily contributing on special teams and in defensive rotations to adapt to the speed and complexity of play. Lynch made his NFL debut in Week 2 of the 2008 season against the , appearing in limited snaps as he adjusted to the pro game. On October 12, 2008, during a Week 6 matchup against the , he recorded his first career by picking off a pass from near the goal line, helping to thwart a scoring drive. In his year, Lynch appeared in seven games without starting, accumulating nine tackles (five solo and four assisted) and one for six yards, along with one pass defensed, mostly in special teams and backup defensive roles. His season was cut short on October 27, 2008, when the Bengals placed him on injured reserve due to a sustained during a special teams play against the Texans the previous week.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lynch signed with the on September 22, 2009, after being released from the ' . Following injuries that limited his rookie season with the Bengals, he joined as a depth player at . Over three seasons from 2009 to 2011, Lynch served primarily as a backup free and a key contributor on special teams, appearing in 45 games total. He started eight games at free across his tenure, with five starts in 2010 and three in 2011, often filling in due to injuries to starters Tanard Jackson and Cody Grimm. His defensive contributions included 63 total tackles (47 solo, 16 assisted) and two interceptions (one in 2010 for no return yards and one in 2011 for 14 yards). Lynch's most notable impact came on special teams, where he recorded 31 tackles (6 in 2009, 18 in 2010, and 7 in 2011) and blocked a punt against the on November 29, 2009, setting up a that gave the a temporary lead. He also blocked a attempt during his time with the team. In 2009, Lynch played in 13 games without a start, logging 6 tackles (4 solo) on defense and contributing on special teams. He appeared in all 16 games in 2010 with 5 starts, recording 32 tackles (22 solo), 1 , and his highest special teams tackle total of 18. The 2011 season saw him in 16 games with 3 starts, 25 tackles (21 solo), 1 , and 7 special teams tackles. Entering the 2011 offseason as a , Lynch re-signed with on July 30, 2011, securing his spot on the roster for another year.
SeasonGames PlayedStartsDefensive Tackles (Solo/Assist)Interceptions (Yards)Special Teams Tackles
20091306 (4/2)06
201016532 (22/10)1 (0)18
201116325 (21/4)1 (14)7

San Diego Chargers

Lynch signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Chargers on May 29, 2012, worth $700,000, joining the team as a safety to bolster their defensive depth. Drawing on his versatility from prior NFL experience, he quickly integrated into the Chargers' secondary rotations. During the 2012 season, Lynch appeared in all 16 games for the Chargers, starting four of them primarily at strong safety, where he contributed to pass coverage and run support in defensive packages. He recorded 47 tackles (40 solo), two interceptions for 50 yards, and seven passes defensed, highlighting his role in the secondary during a season when the Chargers' defense ranked 25th in points allowed. Additionally, Lynch was a key special teams contributor, logging 335 snaps—74% of the team's total—and notching eight tackles on coverage units. His multi-phase involvement provided stability, especially amid injuries to other safeties like Atari Bigby.

Tennessee Titans

Lynch joined the on August 11, 2013, as part of the team's efforts to bolster depth at during by adding veteran players to the roster. He was released on August 31, 2013, as the Titans finalized their 53-man roster ahead of the . The Titans re-signed Lynch on October 28, 2013, to provide additional experience in the secondary amid ongoing needs for defensive depth. Lynch appeared in three games for the Titans after re-signing, primarily contributing on special teams and recording one solo defensive tackle in a Week 10 loss to the . He was waived on November 22, 2013, when the Titans claimed defensive back Pellerin off waivers from the . This stint followed Lynch's full season with the in 2012, where he played in all 16 games, offering the Titans a player with recent experience for potential emergency depth at .

Indianapolis Colts

On November 26, 2013, Corey Lynch was signed by the off waivers from the to bolster the secondary after Delano Howell was placed on injured reserve. Lynch provided late-season depth primarily on special teams, appearing in five regular-season games and recording five tackles (three solo and two assisted). His role drew on cumulative experience from prior NFL stints to support the Colts' defensive backfield during a playoff push. Following an undisclosed injury in the 2014 offseason, Lynch was placed on injured reserve on June 13 and released by the Colts with an injury settlement on June 20, 2014, effectively concluding his professional playing career.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Corey Lynch married Jane "Cissie" Graham on December 31, 2007, in the same church where her grandparents, and , wed in 1943. Cissie, the daughter of evangelist and granddaughter of renowned preacher , met Lynch during his time as a on the football team, where she initially found his confidence unimpressive but was drawn to his character over time. The couple has three children: son Austin, daughter Margaret, and daughter Georgia, born on November 29, 2022. Their family initially settled in Boone, North Carolina, near Appalachian State, but relocated multiple times during Lynch's NFL career, including stints in Florida. In 2024, after much prayer, the Lynch family returned to Boone, Cissie's hometown, to establish a more stable home base following years of travel.

Notable incidents and philanthropy

One of the most notable incidents in Corey Lynch's life occurred on June 21, 2009, while he was driving on an interstate highway north of Lexington, Kentucky. A red van ahead of him was cut off by another vehicle, causing it to swerve, overcorrect, and plunge down a steep embankment, flipping six to eight times before landing upside down. Lynch immediately pulled over and sprinted to the wreckage, where he found the driver, Bob Ritchie, and three passengers trapped inside amid broken glass and twisted metal. The front-seat passenger, Cynthia Brennan, was suspended upside down by her seatbelt, her body weight compressing her windpipe and threatening suffocation due to a broken neck. Climbing into the van, Lynch reclined her seat to alleviate the pressure, freeing her airway and enabling rescuers to extract her safely; he also helped free two children aged 5–6 and 10–11, as well as Ritchie. Brennan survived with fused vertebrae and the ability to walk, later describing Lynch as "my angel" and crediting him with saving her life. Lynch attributed his actions to divine placement, stating, "I was just blessed that God put me in a situation to help." The rescue garnered widespread attention when it was featured on 's Hard Knocks series during the ' 2009 training camp coverage, highlighting Lynch's quick thinking and compassion amid his professional football pursuits. This exposure earned him the affectionate nickname "HBO" from his teammates, a playful nod to the show and his memorable segment. Throughout his NFL career and personal life, Lynch has engaged in faith-based , drawing on the legacy of his wife's family connections to the and . His involvement emphasizes spiritual encouragement and disaster relief, aligning with the Graham family's global outreach mission led by . Lynch has supported these efforts by participating in community and relief initiatives that promote sharing alongside practical aid. Beyond his professional and charitable endeavors, Lynch maintains a strong personal interest in as a relaxing . An avid angler, he has pursued various in coastal waters, including achieving an inshore grand slam by catching a snook, , , and in a single day during an appearance on the Reel Time fishing show hosted by George Gozdz. This passion provides him a way to unwind and connect with nature, often shared through family outings and online posts.

Post-retirement activities

Following his release from the in 2014, Corey Lynch retired from professional football and did not return to . In the years after , Lynch has participated in faith-based media discussions, often alongside his , Cissie Graham Lynch. In a September 2023 episode of the Fearless podcast, the couple shared insights on , football experiences, and parenting challenges, drawing from Lynch's athletic background to illustrate lessons in perseverance and family dynamics. More recently, in May 2025, Lynch appeared in episode 160 of the same podcast, titled "Mid Life Funny," where he reflected on turning 40, the transition from , and broader life perspectives in a candid, humorous conversation. In late 2024, Lynch and his family relocated to , his wife's hometown and the location of his alma mater, , where the couple first met. Following the move, Lynch has engaged in ministry and community activities through , the Christian relief organization headquartered in Boone, where he serves as director of Alaska projects, overseeing church construction and disaster response efforts in remote areas. Lynch maintains a connection to his college roots by actively supporting Appalachian State football on social media, including commentary on team performances and alumni events.

References

  1. https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/11411/corey-lynch
  2. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LyncCo99.htm
  3. https://appstatesports.com/honors/hall-of-fame/corey-lynch/22
  4. https://vault.si.com/vault/2007/09/10/silence-in-the-big-house
  5. https://www.cfbhall.com/news-and-happenings/blog/arrow-beyond-the-call-michigan-upset-by-app-state/
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv4ZshknVws
  7. https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/local/app-state-wins-back-to-back-to-back-championships/83-402290012
  8. https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/player/corey-lynch-12705/bio?seasonType=regularSeason
  9. https://cissiegrahamlynch.com/episode-5-cissie-corey-lynch%25E2%2580%2595faith-on-and-off-the-football-field/
  10. https://www.usatodayhss.com/story/sports/high-school/2012/11/11/evangelical-christian-schools-brian-lynch-coaching-from-couch/81354900007/
  11. https://gocrimson.com/sports/football/roster/colton-lynch/1846
  12. https://www.usatodayhss.com/2012/evangelical-christian-schools-brian-lynch-coaching-from-couch
  13. https://www.chattanoogan.com/2003/2/6/32193/SoCon-Football-Signings.aspx
  14. https://appstatesports.com/news/2018/6/14/athletics-app-state-announces-2018-athletic-hall-of-fame-class
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  19. https://appstatesports.com/news/1970/1/1/1544776.aspx
  20. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2014/01/03/colts-qa-s-corey-lynch-on-saving-a-life-and-marrying-billy-grahams-granddaughter/4306975/
  21. https://appstatesports.com/news/1970/1/1/1544971
  22. https://www.bengals.com/news/draft-wafts-through-future-window-399196
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  24. https://www.bengals.com/news/jets-fly-away-381741
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  26. https://www.buccaneers.com/team/transactions/2009
  27. https://www.bucpower.com/corey-lynch.htm
  28. https://www.buccaneers.com/news/last-minute-td-dooms-bucs-2153161
  29. https://www.capecoralbreeze.com/news/local-news/2012/02/18/life-is-grand-bucs-corey-lynch-named-honorary-lead-for-edison-festival-of-light-parade/
  30. https://www.buccaneers.com/news/rfas-re-sign-too-5289748
  31. https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/player/_/id/4962/corey-lynch
  32. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-sign-s-corey-lynch-11655505
  33. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-sign-gary-guyton-corey-lynch-10785195
  34. https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/transactions/_/name/ten/season/2013
  35. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LyncCo99/gamelog/2013/
  36. https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-claim-db-micah-pellerin-waive-s-corey-lynch-11923077
  37. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/titans-re-sign-safety-corey-lynch
  38. https://www.stampedeblue.com/2013/11/26/5150166/colts-sign-safety-corey-lynch
  39. https://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2008-2018-nfp-archive/latest-nfl-news/colts-sign-corey-lynch-promote-josh-mcnary/
  40. https://nfltraderumors.co/colts-place-s-corey-lynch-on-season-ending-ir/
  41. https://nfltraderumors.co/colts-release-veteran-s-corey-lynch-with-injury-settlement/
  42. https://www.billygraham.ca/stories/cissie-graham-lynch-on-faith-football-marriage/
  43. https://www.journeync.com/blog/2023/6/16/fearless-faith
  44. https://billygraham.org/articles/newborn-mom-cissie-graham-lynch-opens-up-about-difficult-pregnancy
  45. https://billygraham.org/articles/cissie-graham-lynch-encourages-hometown-after-helene
  46. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2010/12/12/there-s-a-hero-in-the-secondary/
  47. https://www.bengals.com/news/hbo-taps-c-span-10368615
  48. https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2009/09/26/newest-lynch-getting-tuned-in/
  49. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/gods-love-in-action/
  50. https://cissiegrahamlynch.com/fishing-with-corey/
  51. https://cissiegrahamlynch.com/fearless-episode-105/
  52. https://billygraham.org/articles/living-faithfully-on-and-off-the-field
  53. https://cissiegrahamlynch.com/mid-life-funny-with-corey-lynch-ep-160/
  54. https://podnews.net/podcast/i408e/episodes
  55. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/new-church-completed-and-dedicated-on-bering-sea-island/
  56. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/warm-fellowship-ahead-for-one-alaskan-church/
  57. https://appstatesports.com/honors/hall-of-fame?type=class_induction
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